Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Ditches Periscope Lens, Embraces Traditional Zoom Design

Samsung is making a significant change to the camera system of its upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, moving away from the periscope-style lens used for the telephoto camera for the first time in seven years. This shift prioritizes aperture and bokeh quality over the extended reach traditionally associated with periscope lenses.

What’s Changing with the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Zoom Camera?

For years, a periscope lens has been synonymous with high-magnification zoom on Samsung’s Ultra phones. This design uses a prism to bend light 90 degrees, allowing for a longer focal length within the confines of a smartphone body. But, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will adopt a more conventional optical configuration, abandoning the bent prism design. [Sammobile]

Impact on Image Quality and Functionality

This change has several implications for image quality and usability:

• Minimum Focusing Distance: The S26 Ultra doubles the minimum focusing distance compared to the S25 Ultra, requiring a distance of at least 52cm for focusing, versus the S25 Ultra’s 26cm. This will impact users who frequently capture close-up details.
• Aperture and Low-Light Performance: The new optical scheme allows for a wider aperture, capturing more light in challenging conditions. This is particularly beneficial for telephoto lenses, which often struggle in low light.
• Bokeh Quality: Traditional periscope lenses tend to produce square or rectangular bokeh (the aesthetic quality of the blur). The S26 Ultra will deliver more circular and oval light points, resembling those produced by professional photographic lenses.

ALoP Technology Confirmed

Samsung has confirmed the use of ALoP (All Lenses on Prism) technology in the Galaxy S26 Ultra. [Reddit] This architecture positions the lenses above the prism, reducing the vertical bulk of the camera module and enabling larger diameter lenses. Although developed internally by Samsung Semiconductor, ALoP technology wasn’t prominently featured in promotional materials.

Why the Change?

The decision to move away from the periscope lens appears to be driven by engineering considerations. Samsung seems to be prioritizing brightness and bokeh aesthetics while acknowledging the limitations imposed by the thickness of modern smartphone designs. The market demands larger sensors, but physical constraints necessitate innovative solutions.

Is This a Permanent Shift?

It remains to be seen whether this “normalization” of the telephoto lens will become the standard for future Samsung flagships or if it’s a transitional solution. The industry is constantly balancing sensor size, zoom capabilities, and overall device thickness.